Foundation doctor transition guide

Graduation from medical student to foundation doctor carries with it much apprehension and anxiety. It represents a huge transition from many years of studying in a protected environment to, in most cases, an individual’s first experience of formal employment and professional responsibility.

The foundation programme is a time of rapid professionalisation, personal development and a period during which experiences will shape the direction of a medical career.

This document aims to highlight the value of the foundation doctor in the multi-professional team, provide advice for this steep transition and recommend how best to capitalise on the opportunities available. Its focus is on the leadership and management skills which are so important and yet seldom acknowledged.

FMLM would like to thank Dr Sveta Alladi, Dr Sonia Panchal and Dr Kayur Patel for writing this excellent transition document.